About Us
Orthanc is the phonetic spelling of orþanc, an Anglo Saxon or old English word that means intelligence; an understanding mind; cleverness or skilful. A perfect description for the Smooth Collie. Orthanc is also the name of the Tower of Isengard within JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. It’s a four-sided black tower made of stone or rock which no weapon can destroy. In the Tolkien language of Sindarin, Orthanc means “Mount Fang” and so is a very apt name for our home at the foothills of the Macedon Ranges, Victoria.
Since continuing my association with this wonderful breed, I became a registered Dogs Victoria Collie breeder in 2012, using the prefix Orthanc.
I’m yet to breed my first litter, but that might change in 2024 with Zandee. It will be a rare litter that I breed however, as I prefer working with males and desexed females, as there is less interruption to training and competitions. Additionally, breeding is a risky business that can result in as much heartbreak as joy, and involving my own beloved dogs in that does not rest lightly upon me. I will only ever breed with the intention of retaining a puppy for myself from proven bloodlines, which aligns to my goal to showcase the Smooth Collie's versatility and promote the breed as a true working dog.
I am a licenced Dogs Australian Herding Judge for all levels on A & B Courses and a member of the Collie Club of Victoria and the Victorian Herding Association.
I fell in love with Smooth Collies through my partnership with my first, Bronte, in 2009. She was highly trainable, smart as a whip and loved to work. We had wonderful success in Herding, Obedience and Rally Obedience, also dabbling in some agility and tracking just for fun.
About Shelley
Since continuing my association with this wonderful breed, I became a registered Dogs Victoria Collie breeder in 2012, using the prefix Orthanc.
I’m yet to breed my first litter, but that might change in 2024 with Zandee. It will be a rare litter that I breed however, as I prefer working with males and desexed females, as there is less interruption to training and competitions. Additionally, breeding is a risky business that can result in as much heartbreak as joy, and involving my own beloved dogs in that does not rest lightly upon me. I will only ever breed with the intention of retaining a puppy for myself from proven bloodlines, which aligns to my goal to showcase the Smooth Collie's versatility and promote the breed as a true working dog.
I am a licenced Dogs Australian Herding Judge for all levels on A & B Courses and a member of the Collie Club of Victoria and the Victorian Herding Association.
I fell in love with Smooth Collies through my partnership with my first, Bronte, in 2009. She was highly trainable, smart as a whip and loved to work. We had wonderful success in Herding, Obedience and Rally Obedience, also dabbling in some agility and tracking just for fun.